Santorini was definitely my highlight while planning my Greece travel as well as post travel, looking back on all the islands. It was definitely a place I wished I had more than 3 nights in. But, we’ll be back for sunset sailing as well as Santo Winery definitely!
True to it’s postcard images, the blue and white domes, really leave you in awe of the beauty of the island against the caldera at the background. Before, I take you through my amazing 3 days in Santorini, a few travel tips to note, while planning your days.
- Santorini is probably the most visited island in entire Greece. As such, prices for accommodation as well as food are expensive. We definitely felt the price hike even though we arrived early in the season. Especially, since we arrived from Naxos, where everything is relatively cheaper all year round.
- The entire island, sits at the top of the volcano. Apart from the old/new port, all the action happens above sea level (no pun intended there). As such, from any where you are in the island, you have a breathtaking view.
- Booking your accommodation as well car (if you are planning on renting) early helps in securing a good deal. Do not wait to arrive to book a hotel or car, because you definitely will be paying a higher price if something is available for you. Things get snapped up pretty quickly and way in advance especially during summer.
- We were told my locals there that people visit the island even during winter. That, was definitely news to me. Although, personally, summer travels are always the best (for me).
- The entire island was crowded (by my standards) although we were still early in the season. As such, restaurants (especially the ones with good food + a view), get booked up quite early. We were advised by fellow travellers we met along the way that making reservations would be the best to not get disappointed.
Disclaimer: We splurged on our Santorini leg with a fancy ride as well our accommodation, since we were gonna make this the highlight of our first Europe travel together.
Our 5-star airbnb stay in Pyrgos (https://www.airbnb.com.sg/rooms/16417609) featured above with a hot tub overlooking the island. A night was around SGD 400, but totally no regrets with our stay at Daniel’s place.
Rented a Mini for the husband (50E per day)
Food
1. Metaxi Mas (Meal for 2 was 23E)
Recommended by our Airbnb since this place was very close to our home, we arrived for late lunch and it was packed with tourists.
2. The Cave of Nikolas (Meal for 2 was 60E)
Fish platter with amazing wine to end of our meal. Again, hospitality was top notch.
3. To Ouzeri (Meal for 2 was 43E)
Amazing stuffed calarami! 10/10
4. The Athenian House (fancy!)
No photos of our meal but fine dining. We were recommended to dine here by fellow travellers we met in Mykonos. Went early to catch sunset from the restaurant while enjoying each course of our dinner. Amazing experience. Indulge if you can, although we were 121E poorer after our dinner there.
5. Lolita’s Gelato
A refreshing stop for the summer heat.
6. Ammoudi Fish Tavern (Must visit!)
Debone fish service included 🙂 (Meal for 2 with wine was 65E)
Things to do
1. Sunset at Profitis Ilias Monastery (the highest point of the island at 567 meters)
Sunset here was breathtaking as it felt like we were in the midst of the clouds. Was amazing to be greeted with such a beautiful sight on our arrival in Santorini, despite the cold winds.
2. Explore Prygos town
3. Walk from Fira to Oia
We didn’t actually complete the entire stretch by foot because we kept halting for a photo moment as well as it was too crowded as were in the stretch mid-day. This 10km stretch would take you about half a day to complete depending on how fast your strides are.
Travel Tip: Having visited Santorini, our recommendation would actually to do the reverse direction (i.e. Oia to Fira). Instead of catching sunset in Oia, as 99% of the tourists have planned, catching sunset in Fira instead, let’s you enjoy the peace and tranquility a bit more instead of thronging with the masses to get a good spot. As I mentioned before, because of the landscape of the island, from every angle you actually can witness the sunset.
Also, while walking you can break up the walk by stopping for a drink or meal at Imerovigli. A quieter town that many skip stopping by at.
4. Skaros Rock
Another spot to enjoy sunset away from the crowd would be Skaros Rock. Just be mindful, the path is not the best so covered shoes are a must. We ended up in the area in flip-flops so didn’t manage to scale to the top of the rock.
5. Ammoudi Bay (my favourite!)
Ammoudi Bay is about 300 steps below Oia town. Set aside about an hour (maximum) and you should be ok, nothing too arduous. Since we had planned on lunching at Ammoudi Bay, we parked our car at the bottom and decided to hike up before the mid-day sun came scorching down on us. Was a good move by the husband so that we didn’t have to conquer the steps after a hearty meal. If you not keen on walking up/down the steps, there are donkeys you could ride on. But, it’s better to go up on the donkeys as downhill might be a tad bit scary.
Cliff jumping at Agios Nikolaos (stone’s throw away from Ammoudi Bay)
6. Oia
You can easily spend half a day getting lost in the streets of Oia, the most picturesque village in Santorini. Plenty to do! Byzantine Castle Ruins for some photo moments (the hot spot for sunset), get lost within the oldest bookstore, Atlantis Books, wander the cobbled streets of the town.
7. Beaches! – Kamari/Perissa/Red Beach
Kamari Beach
Red Beach
Like I mentioned when I begun my post, 3 nights in Santorini weren’t enough for me to explore all that the island offered. I would have wanted more time to spend some time at Megalochori as well as Akrotiri towns. There is always so much to do at some places. Santorini was definitely one of those islands for me. But, I will definitely return for boat tours, wine and donkey beer. 😉
Here’s a few options on other resources that helped me plan my time in Santorini. Hope it helps with yours too.
- https://santorinidave.com/best-things-to-do-santorini
- https://finduslost.com/complete-santorini-greece-travel-guide/
- https://santorinidave.com/best-restaurants-santorini
- https://handluggageonly.co.uk/2015/06/09/11-delicious-foods-you-have-to-eat-in-santorini-greece/
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